"The reality of the way blockchains are operating now is far closer to the operation of a ponzi scheme than anything else"

That is exactly right! Just like a ponzi scheme, once the platform (Steemit, Whaleshares, or any similar blockchain based forum platform), runs out of new "naive" people to invest in the scheme, the whole thing comes tumbling down, and when that happens, those invested in the scheme at that time, lose everything. This is exactly what is happening with Steemit right now. It's just a matter of time before the platform either shuts down (or is shut down). All anyone need do is check the accounts of Steemit's largest "investors" and it can easily be seen that most of them, if not all, are in power-down mode. Clearly they know hat the end is not far off, and want to get their money out asap...albeit money of which a big percentage of it was stolen from Steemit naive members pool.